Study Reveals Demand for Prohibition of Mobile Phones in Schools Among a Certain Number of Parents - School Parents Favoring Extensive Mobile Phone Restrictions within Educational Institutions, According to Recent Survey
In a significant shift towards digital detoxification in schools, a strong majority of parents in Germany (around 80%) are advocating for a mobile phone ban, according to a recent survey commissioned by Postbank [1]. This move comes as a response to concerns about smartphones' impact on children's concentration and academic success, as indicated in the "Leisure Monitor 2025" study [2].
The survey, titled "Digital Study 2025", was conducted online between May and June this year and involved 3,050 residents [3]. The findings suggest that the demand for a ban on phones in schools is not a generational issue, with 52% of respondents aged 40 and above agreeing that phones disrupt lessons and concentration, compared to 47% of those aged 18 to 39 [4].
While parents largely favour a phone ban, teachers prefer educational approaches to digital device use rather than outright bans. The German Teachers' Association, for instance, opposes an outright ban on phones in schools [5]. Stefan Düll, president of the German Teachers' Association, suggests a critical and reflective use of phones, guiding young people towards a considered use [6].
Education authorities in some German states are actively reinforcing phone restrictions during school hours, especially at the primary level. The Thuringian Ministry of Education, for example, has emphasized implementing existing school law provisions that prohibit the private use of digital devices such as smartphones and tablets during lessons, breaks, and after-school care [1]. Secondary schools are encouraged to review and discuss these rules with parents and school committees.
Some politicians, like Cem Özdemir of the German Greens, suggest even broader restrictions beyond school, such as banning social media for children under 16 and promoting responsible digital media use with adult guidance [5]. The state parliament of Saarland has already taken this step, banning the use of private smartphones and smartwatches in the first four grades of primary and special schools [7].
However, not all parents are keen on a complete ban. Another 32% of parents surveyed support a ban on phones in schools but think there should be exceptions for certain situations [4]. Meanwhile, Düll believes many would find secret use attractive if there was a ban, and suggests collecting school-foreign objects, including phones, until the end of the school day [6].
As the debate over phones in schools continues, one thing is clear: the need for a balanced approach that addresses parents' concerns about concentration and academic success, while also fostering responsible digital media use among children and young people.
References:
- Thuringian Ministry of Education press release
- Leisure Monitor 2025 report
- Postbank press release
- Postbank survey results
- German Greens press release
- Interview with Stefan Düll
- Saarland parliament press release
- The survey findings indicate that the demand for a mobile phone ban in schools is not limited to certain age groups, as 52% of respondents over 40 and 47% of those between 18 and 39 agree on its benefits.
- Educators, such as the German Teachers' Association, prefer an educational approach to digital device use, advocating for a critical and reflective use of mobile devices in schools, rather than outright bans.
